India court-martial soldier who crossed LoC to Pakistan

An Indian soldier who had crossed over to Pakistan last year and was returned to India in January has been found guilty by an army court which recommended nearly three months imprisonment for him.

Indian Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan, posted with the 37 Rashtriya Rifles in Indian-occupied Kashmir had reportedly crossed the Line of Control in September last year.

Chavan was tried by a General Court Martial and has pleaded guilty to desertion. The army court sentenced him to nearly three months in prison but authorities will decide if any further punishment is warranted. He can appeal against his sentence.

In January 2017, Chavan was handed over to India by Pakistan through the Wagah border. The Pakistan Army had said that Chavan had grievances of maltreatment against his commanders.

Chavan belongs to Borvihir village in Dhule district of Maharashtra. His grandmother had died of shock following the news of his capture in Pakistan.